Alice Brown

At MODEX 2026 in Atlanta, Scott Luton caught up with Mike Harris, VP of OMRS at Ocado Intelligent Automation, to explore how robotics, software, and evolving customer expectations are reshaping modern warehouse operations. While robots may grab the spotlight, Harris makes it clear: the real value lies beneath the surface, as in the intelligence that powers them.   Rising Expectations and the Cost-to-Serve Challenge Warehouse operators are under increasing pressure from both ends of the supply chain. Costs continue to climb, while customer expectations are rising just as quickly. “Cost to serve is continuing to increase and customers expect things faster and completely accurate” Harris explains. This dynamic creates a constant balancing act. Organizations must improve speed and accuracy while controlling costs, a challenge that requires more than incremental improvements. It demands smarter, more adaptive systems.   Flexibility and Long-Term Thinking Take Center Stage In today’s volatile environment, Harris sees a clear shift in how companies approach automation investments. “We’re finding that customers are looking to invest in technologies and partners that they want to stay with for a while,” he notes. Rather than chasing one-off solutions, organizations are prioritizing long-term partnerships and scalable platforms that can evolve with their…

Another great week here at Supply Chain Now! Have you listened to all the episodes? If not, no worries! Check them all out here: On Monday, we welcomed Dan Reeve with Esker to the show to talk about how organizations can leverage AI effectively to win in uncertain times. Supply Chain Now · “Leveraging AI Effectively to Win in Uncertain Times: Dan Reeve with Esker”   We continued our Today in Manufacturing series on Tuesday, and welcomed Rebecca Bowman with The Clorox Company to Supply Chain Now, along with special co-hosts Jason Moss with Georgia Manufacturing Alliance and Laura Madajewsli with HLB Gross Collins.   Supply Chain Now · “Today in Manufacturing: Rebecca Bowman with The Clorox Company”   On Wednesday we published our popular Supply Chain Buzz, with Scott and Greg sharing and discussing the latest news and events in Supply Chain and beyond.   Supply Chain Now · “Pharma Supply Chain, Reshoring, & TP: The Supply Chain Buzz for May 18th”   Thursday we welcomed back Latia Thomas via livestream as she shared what the future of supply chain has in store. A bright future indeed!   Supply Chain Now · “Latia Thomas: Leading the Charge into the…